Mike Comrie and Hilary Duff in 2011. / Matt Sayles, AP

by Olivia Barker, USA TODAY

by Olivia Barker, USA TODAY

She's separating from her husband of nearly four years, retired NHL star Mike Comrie. The couple have one son, Luca, who turns 2 in March.

"Hilary Duff and husband Mike Comrie have mutually decided to an amicable separation," Duff's rep says in a statement. "They remain best friends and will continue to be in each other's lives. They are dedicated to loving and parenting their amazing son, and ask for privacy at this time."

Just last October, Duff, 26, was swooning over Comrie, 33. "He's an amazing father," she told reporters at an L.A. book signing. "He's so patient and loving and involved. He's all the things that I knew that he would be."

At the time, the actress also sounded ready to expand her family. "If I had another boy, I would be happy, but I would like to try for a girl."